_edited.jpg)
Nov 17, 2025
We are excited to celebrate Matt Doidge, ASPE CPD, on his completion of Des Moines Water Works’ William G. Stowe Citizen Water Academy of Central Iowa. Matt was one of 20 individuals accepted out of 80 applicants to the program, which serves as a four-session technical overview of Central Iowa’s water history, systems, and operational management.
We recently sat down with Matt to hear about his experience. From learning how water travels from source to tap, to exploring ways his professional and personal life connect to water stewardship, Matt shared valuable takeaways from this unique community program. Here’s what he had to say:
What inspired you to apply for this experience?
“When I learned about the Citizens Water Academy, I thought it would be helpful for me both personally and professionally. As a mechanical engineer who specializes in plumbing design, I thought it would be helpful to learn more about the process behind the water used in the systems that I design. I also was excited about the opportunity to connect with other community members and to create a network of water advocates.”
What were your favorite parts of the program?
“I found it incredibly informative to visit both the water treatment facility and wastewater treatment facility for in-depth tours. Being able to tour these facilities allowed me to directly see where our water comes from, along with how the city’s systems are run and maintained. I also have a family farm, and enjoyed learning about how farm runoff affects the overall quality of our city’s water. Through this program, I was able to recognize best practices for minimizing my own impact on the city’s water quality.”
What do you plan to take away from your time in the Citizens Water Academy?
“Moving forward, I plan to be an advocate for the practices and processes of Des Moines Water Works. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about the city’s water, and this experience allowed me to see just how robust and high-quality the facilities behind Des Moines water are. I’m excited to share the knowledge I’ve gained from this experience with others to hopefully increase their appreciation for the water systems within our city. I also look forward to continuing and developing my connections with fellow members of the Class of 2025 and other program alumni.”
Matt’s experience is a powerful reminder that when we understand the systems that support our daily lives, we become better stewards of the communities we serve. His curiosity, commitment to learning, and passion for water advocacy reflect the very spirit of the Citizens Water Academy. We’re proud to celebrate his achievement and grateful for the insight he brings back to our team and to the broader Central Iowa community.